Modular Loft Bed and Methods of Using the Same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a modular loft bed. Specifically, the modular loft bed comprises a plurality of rigid pieces that form together in a slot and tab configuration. The pieces fit together in various combinations to form a plurality of different loft bed embodiments. More specifically, the modular loft bed utilizes the plurality of rigid pieces together in a slot and tab configuration and without using mechanical and/or chemical means for binding the pieces together. In other words, the modular loft bed only uses gravity and friction to bind the rigid pieces together, and does not require the use of bolts, screws, glues, or other means.

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 62/135,587, titled “Modular Loft Bed and Methods of Using the Same”, filed Mar. 19, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a modular loft bed. Specifically, the modular loft bed comprises a plurality of rigid pieces that form together in a slot and tab configuration. The pieces fit together in various combinations to form a plurality of different loft bed embodiments. More specifically, the modular loft bed utilizes the plurality of rigid pieces together in a slot and tab configuration and without requiring the use of mechanical and/or chemical means for binding the pieces together. In other words, the modular loft bed mainly uses gravity and friction to bind the rigid pieces together, and does not require the use of bolts, screws, glues, or other means.

BACKGROUND

Beds have been known for millennia, in various forms. Throughout history, many different bed designs have been utilized, especially beds that shared characteristics with modern loft beds.

Early beds were little more than piles of straw or some other natural material (e.g. a heap of palm leaves, animal skins, or dried bracken). An important change was raising them off the ground, to avoid drafts, dirt, and pests. Bedding dating to about 77,000 BC was discovered in Sibudu Cave, South Africa and consisted of sedge and other monocotyledons topped with large leaves. Beds found in a preserved northern Scottish village, which were raised boxes made of stone and likely topped with comfortable fillers, were dated to between about 3200 BC and 2200 BC.

The Egyptians had high bedsteads which were ascended by steps, with bolsters or pillows, and curtains to hang therearound. The elite of Egyptian society, such as its pharaohs and queens, even had beds made of wood, sometimes gilded. Often there was a head-rest as well, semi-cylindrical and made of stone, wood, or metal. Ancient Assyrians, Medes, and Persians had beds of a similar kind, and frequently decorated their furniture with inlays or appliques of metal, mother-of-pearl, and ivory.

Roman mattresses were stuffed with reeds, hay, or wool. Feathers were used towards the end of the Republic, when custom demanded luxury. Small cushions were often placed at the head and sometimes at the back. The bedsteads were high and could only be ascended by the help of steps. They were often arranged for two people, and had a board or railing at the back, as well as the raised portion at the head.

Most modern beds consist of a soft mattress on a bed frame, with the mattress resting either on a solid base, often wooden slats, or a sprung base. In North America many beds include a box spring inner-sprung base, a large mattress-sized box containing wood and springs that provide additional support and suspension for the mattress.

There are many different kinds of modern beds. Common types include bunk beds or loft beds. A bunk bed is a type of bed in which one bed frame is stacked on top of another. The nature of bunk beds allows two or more people to sleep in the same room while maximizing available floor space for activities. This leads to them being used in places with limited floor space, such as on ships and in army garrisons or in places where floorspace needs to be maximized, such as dormitories, summer camp cabins, hostels, children's rooms, prison cells, or university residence halls.

Bunk beds are normally supported by four poles or pillars, one at each corner of the bed. A ladder is used to get to the upper bed, which is normally surrounded by a railing to prevent the sleeper from falling out. Some models also have a privacy curtain for the lower bunk. A loft bed is an elevated bed similar to a bunk bed, but without the lower beds-—freeing floor space for other furniture (such as a desk) which might be built into the loft bed.

Most modern beds share in common the fact that there is a rigid frame that holds, supports and, generally, surrounds a soft mattress. Typically, a bed comprises a footboard, a headboard, sideboards, and horizontally-disposed lateral slats for holding a mattress, all of which are typically rigidly held together using bolts, screws, adhesives or other like mechanical or chemical means.

When building a bed, especially a loft bed or a bunk bed, it is often difficult to align the various pieces together. Typically, this must be done to ensure that the frame is rigid, square and physically sound so that the same does not collapse when in use. Specifically, elements such as bolt holes or other like mechanics must be aligned to ensure that the pieces are put together properly. A need, therefore, exists for a modular loft bed and methods of using the same providing easy alignment of various pieces together. More specifically, a need exists for a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that provides easy and proper alignment to ensure that the bed maintains its physical strength when in use.

Oftentimes, beds have only one configuration. Specifically, once a bed is put together, there is no reason to take the bed apart to change any element, unless a part must be replaced due to damage. However, users may desire change to their beds. A need, therefore, exists for a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to change various elements when desired. More specifically, a need exists for a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to change various elements from one configuration to another configuration.

Moreover, even if a typical bed has various configurations, it is often difficult to change the bed from one configuration to another configuration because of the manner in which the beds are constructed. Because most modern beds utilize rigid connecting elements to maintain the beds' physical structure, such as bolts, screws, supports, adhesives, and other like mechanical or chemical means, it is often difficult to take modern beds apart. A need, therefore, exists for a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to easily take the bed apart. More specifically, a need exists for a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to quickly and easily change the configuration of the bed from one to another without removing inconvenient bolts or screws, and without damaging the bed elements by removing parts that are adhesively bound together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular loft bed. Specifically, the modular loft bed comprises a plurality of rigid pieces that form together in a slot and tab configuration. The pieces fit together in various combinations to form a plurality of different loft bed embodiments. More specifically, the modular loft bed utilizes the plurality of rigid pieces together in a slot and tab configuration and without using mechanical and/or chemical means for binding the pieces together. In other words, the modular loft bed only uses gravity and friction to bind the rigid pieces together, and does not require the use of bolts, screws, glues, or other means.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a modular loft bed is disclosed. The modular loft bed comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, each disposed roughly in parallel a distance from each, and a first end panel and a second end panel, the end panels interconnected to the side panels, respectively, via tabs and slots, and without mechanical or chemical connectors; and a plurality of lateral cross panels bridging from the first side panel to the second side panel, each lateral cross panel having a tab or interconnecting with a slot in the respective first and second side panels.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a modular loft bed and methods of using the same providing easy alignment of various pieces together.

More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that provides easy and proper alignment to ensure that the bed maintains its physical strength when in use.

In addition, it is an advantage and objective to provide a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to change various elements when desired.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to change various elements from one configuration to another configuration.

Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to easily take the bed apart.

More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a modular loft bed and methods of using the same that allows a user to quickly and easily change the configuration of the bed from one to another without removing inconvenient bolts or screws, and without damaging the bed elements by removing parts that are adhesively bound together.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular loft bed in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a modular loft bed and a plurality of shelves in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a modular loft bed and a desktop system disposed therebeneath in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a modular loft bunk bed in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a modular bed in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a modular bed in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a modular loft bed. Specifically, the modular loft bed comprises a plurality of rigid pieces that form together in a slot and tab configuration. The pieces fit together in various combinations to form a plurality of different loft bed embodiments. More specifically, the modular loft bed utilizes the plurality of rigid pieces together in a slot and tab configuration and without using mechanical and/or chemical means for binding the pieces together. In other words, the modular loft bed only uses gravity and friction to bind the rigid pieces together, and does not require the use of bolts, screws, glues, or other means.

Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a modular loft bed 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. Generally, the modular loft bed 10 comprises a plurality of rigid pieces that are interconnected to each other via a slot and tab arrangement. The rigid pieces that make up the structure of the bed may be made of wood, laminate, cardboard, metal, plastic, or any other rigid structural material that can be utilized to fit together in the manner described herein, yet provide sufficient strength to support one or more mattresses and people, as well as other items placed thereon. The rigid pieces may be made in any manner apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, including, but not limited to, cut via mechanical saws, laser scoring, 3D printing, or any other like manufacturing technique.

The modular loft bed 10 may comprise a first side panel 12 and a second side panel 14 disposed, generally, in parallel relationship a distance from each other. The first and second side panels 12, 14 may be single, unitary pieces, although they may be made from a plurality of pieces that are fit together using a tab and slot configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The first and second side panels 12, 14 may have a plurality of slots 16 in an upper wall 11 thereof for holding a plurality of lateral cross panels 18, arranged vertically to provide rigid strength to hold a mattress that may be disposed on top thereof (not shown). The plurality of lateral cross panels 18 may each have tabs 20 extending on each end thereof for fitting into the slots 16 in the first and second side panels 12, 14.

A first end panel 22 may be disposed on one end of the modular loft bed 10 and a second end panel 24 may be disposed on a second end of the modular loft bed 10. The first and second end panels 22, 24 may each have a plurality of tabs 26 and slots 28, arranged in various locations on their edges to interconnect with tabs 30 and slots 32 that may extend in various locations from the first and second side panels 12, 14. In general the tabs 26, 30 and slots 28, 32 may be arranged together and generally coordinate with each other to allow the tabs 26 to interconnect with slots 32 and the tabs 30 to interconnect with slots 28. Gravity and friction may generally hold the tabs and slots together.

Disposed in the first and second end panels 22, 24 may be a plurality of holes or spaces 34 that may be used for various purposes. For example, a series of spaces 36 in end panel 22 may be used as a ladder by a user thereof to climb to a mattress in the upper bunk. Other spaces may be utilized to hold up shelving, as illustrated in further detail below with respect to FIG. 2.

Thus, because the modular loft bed 10 comprises merely a plurality of rigid pieces that are disposed together in a tab and slot configuration, the modular loft bed 10 may be constructed relatively quickly, without requiring connectors, such as bolts, screws, adhesives or other mechanical or chemical connection means, although it should be noted that one or more securing bolts, screws, adhesives, or other mechanical or chemical connection means may be desired to add structural stability and strength thereto. Likewise, the modular loft bed 10 may be deconstructed easily as well, as a user may simply pop each piece out of its respective slot, or disengage the various tabs from the various slots. Construction and deconstruction of the modular loft bed 10 is, therefore, quick and easy.

First side panel 12 may further have junctions 40, 42, and second side panel 14 may have similar junctions, where separate pieces may intersect to give the necessary height to the modular loft bed 10. The modular loft bed may thus utilize the upper half of first and second side panels 12, 14 alone, without the bottom portions thereof, as a mini-loft in the case where a shorter modular loft bed 10 is desired. In such a scenario, shorter end pieces (not shown), as well as feet that may fit at the junctions 40, 42 may be utilized to create the mini loft bed.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a modular loft bed 100 is shown and described herein. The modular loft bed 100 may have similar panels as shown in FIG. 1 and described above. Specifically, the modular loft bed may comprise first and second side panels 112, 114 and first and second end panels 122, 124 that are interconnected together via a plurality of tabs and slots, and further having a plurality of lateral cross panels 118 having tabs the interconnect with slots on the first and second side panels 112, 114 forming an upper loft bunk for holding a mattress. Leg portions 119, 121 may extend downwardly and may be joined to first and/or second side panels via joints 123, 125 so that the first and/or second side panels may be removed from the leg portions 119, 121 to aid in storage and for shipment of the various pieces of the modular loft bed 100.

The modular loft bed 100 may further comprise a plurality of shelves that may extend from first end panel 122 to second end panel 124 or from one of the first and second end panels 122, 124 to a center brace panel (not shown). For example, the center brace panel (not shown) may allow shelves 105 to be placed at various locations within the modular loft bed 100 and may provide support to the shelves 105. The shelves 105 may interconnect with the center brace panel and/or the first and second end panels 122, 124 via a tab and slot configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. Of course, while FIG. 2 shows a particular arrangement of shelves 105, it should be noted that the arrangement of shelves can change with the desire of the user, as the shelves may be placed in different locations than shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, center brace may be any height as needed to provide shelving, as desired within the modular loft bed 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a modular loft bed 152 that may utilize a shelving system therebeneath that may be used as a desk. Specifically, the modular loft bed 150 may have first and second side panels 152, 154 that are similar to first and second side panels 12, 14, described above with respect to FIG. 1, and first and second end panels 162, 164 that are similar if not identical to first and second end panels 22, 24, described above with respect to FIG. 1. Desktop 153 may extend from one end panel 162 to the other end panel 164, and may be braced by center brace panel 155. Center brace panel 155 may further have slots for holding additional shelves 157 beneath the desktop 153. A user may therefore have space to sit at the desktop 153 and the shelves may be utilized for storage.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention of a modular loft bed 200 having a bunk bed configuration. Specifically, the modular loft bed 200 may have first and second side panels 212, 214 that are similar to first and second side panels 12, 14 described above with respect to FIG. 1, and first and second end panels 222, 224 that are similar if not identical to first and second end panels 22, 24 described above with respect to FIG. 1. However, the first and second side panels 212, 214 may further each have a lower side wall 213 having a plurality of slots 217 extending from a plurality of laterally extending cross panels 219. Each laterally extending cross panel 219 may have a pair of tabs 221 extending therefrom and engaging respectively the plurality of slots 217 in the lower side wall 213, thereby forming a bottom bunk. Thus, the modular loft bed 200 may have a bottom bunk having a mattress (not shown) and a top bunk having a mattress (not shown) in a bunk bed configuration.

As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and described above, side panels 212, 214 of the modular loft bed 200 may have junctions 240, 242 that may be where two pieces are joined together to add height to the modular loft bed 200. If desired, the top portion of the first and second side panels 212, 214 may be separated and the upper portion of the modular loft bed 200 may be utilized as a mini loft bed 250, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The end panels 222, 224 of FIG. 4 may be joined together, or otherwise bifurcated to allow them to be separated so that the upper portion of the modular loft bed 200 may be utilized as a mini loft bed. In addition, the junctions 240 and 242 may have feet 252, 254 disposed thereon so that the mini loft bed 250 may be stabilized when the junctions 240, 242 are disposed on a surface.

Likewise, the lower portion of the modular loft bed 200 may be used separately as a stand-alone bed 260, as illustrated in FIG. 6. End caps 262, 264 may be disposed over junctions so that the junctions are protected, and for safety.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed. 

I claim:
 1. A modular loft bed comprising: a first side panel and a second side panel, each disposed roughly in parallel a distance from each, and a first end panel and a second end panel, the end panels interconnected to the side panels, respectively, via tabs and slots; and a plurality of lateral cross panels bridging from the first side panel to the second side panel, each lateral cross panel having a tab or interconnecting with a slot in the respective first and second side panels. 